This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe is a weeknight-friendly, minimal ingredient dinner that's creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory beef and marinara. It skips the ricotta and egg entirely for a smoother cheese layer using sour cream or cottage cheese and finishes with melted provolone and Parmesan for the perfect bite.
For more comfort food ideas, try our Stuffed Italian Sausage Casserole or Bucatini alla Carbonara.
Baked ziti is an easy layered pasta dish that brings together pasta, meat sauce, and cheese. It's like a shortcut lasagna without all the fuss. Traditionally, it's made with ricotta and marinara, but this version lightens things up by using sour cream or cottage cheese, then finishes with a cheesy top that bubbles in the oven.
If you like this Italian recipe, you'll also love our Sunday Gravy with Short Ribs, Carbone Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, or our Pappardelle Bolognese Recipe.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Creamy Cheese Layer Without Ricotta or Egg: It's smooth, rich, and fuss-free.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Melted mozzarella and provolone layered with savory meat sauce. What's not to love?
- Perfect for Busy Nights: Quick prep and makes amazing leftovers. Just like this Easy Creamy Pesto Spinach Ravioli!
- Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze it before or after baking for easy meals later.
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Easy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef (No Ricotta) Ingredients
A few pantry staples, some ground beef, and good cheese are all you need.
- Ziti or Penne: Short pasta that catches the sauce.
- Marinara Sauce: Rao's or your favorite jarred brand works. Have leftover? Make these crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls!
- Ground Beef: We go for lean to avoid greasy layers.
- Sour Cream or Cottage Cheese: We use either, depending on what's on hand. Blended cottage cheese adds protein and smooth texture.
- Shredded Mozzarella: For gooey, melty pockets throughout.
- Sliced Provolone: Melts well and finishes the dish with a smooth, mild richness.
- Grated Parmesan: Adds a sharp, nutty layer to the cheese mixture. We also sprinkle it on top for a golden crust.
- Olive Oil, Onion & Garlic: Classic base to flavor the meat.
- Basil (Optional): Adds extra herb depth if you like.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Sour Cream: Use blended cottage cheese or ricotta.
- Ground Beef: Try ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Italian Seasoning: Use individual dried herbs if needed (oregano, thyme, basil).
- Flavor: Stir in chili flakes for a little heat.
How To Make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef (Step by Step)
STEP ONE: Cook the Pasta
Boil in salted water until slightly underdone.
Drain and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. You may use this later.
STEP TWO: Make the Sauce
Sauté ground beef, onion, and garlic in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Once browned, stir in marinara and fresh basil. Simmer briefly, adding pasta water (only if needed).
Remove the basil and take it off the heat while you prepare the cheese filling.
STEP THREE: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a bowl, stir together sour cream or cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
STEP FOUR: Layer and Bake
Grease your 10.5 x 7.5 dish. Spread a bit of meat sauce at the bottom. Add half the pasta mixed with sauce. Spread the cheese filling in an even layer. Add remaining pasta. Top with sliced provolone and a dusting of grated Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10-15 more minutes until bubbly. Broil 1-2 minutes if desired.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Undercook the pasta slightly. It will finish in the oven.
✔️ DO Blend cottage cheese (if using) for best texture.
❌ DO NOT Forget to cover when baking or the top may dry out.
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Storage
Cool completely and store baked ziti covered in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave. Freeze unbaked or baked for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can make this baked ziti without meat. Omit the ground beef and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or even lentils to give the sauce more body and flavor. It still bakes up creamy, making it a great vegetarian option.
Yes, this dish is perfect for prepping ahead. You can fully assemble the ziti up to 2 days in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator while the oven preheats and add 5-10 minutes to the bake time if needed.
Definitely. While ziti is traditional, shapes like rigatoni, penne, or rotini work just as well. The key is to choose a short pasta with ridges that can hold onto the sauce. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine, which won't layer well in a baked dish.
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📖 Recipe
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe (Easy and Cheesy!)
Equipment
- 10.5 x 7.5-inch baking dish
- Large dutch oven or skillet
- Medium mixing bowl
- Saucepan or stock pot (for pasta)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil (for covering)
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat Sauce
- 8 ounces ziti or penne pasta
- 1¾ cups marinara sauce such as Rao's
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ yellow onion finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- black pepper to taste
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves optional
- ½ cup reserved pasta water optional (only if needed)
Cheesy Layer
- 1 cup sour cream or blended cottage cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella shredded
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Topping
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta 1 minute less than package directions. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, 5-7 minutes. Stir in onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add marinara and basil. Simmer 5-10 minutes, adding a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce (only if needed). Remove basil.
- In a medium bowl, combine sour cream (or cottage cheese), mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 10.5 x 7.5 baking dish.
- Spread a small amount of meat sauce in the bottom.
- Toss drained pasta with remaining sauce, then layer half into the dish. Spread all of the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta mixture. Top with provolone slices and sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Cover loosely with foil. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra color if desired.
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Video
Notes
- Sour Cream: Use blended cottage cheese or ricotta.
- Ground Beef: Try ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Italian Seasoning: Use individual dried herbs if needed (oregano, thyme, basil).
Jami Powell says
A delicious freezer-friendly weeknight meal!